Bar Elena Founder’s Dream Restaurant Heads to NoMa

Adam Stein redirects bowling-themed Eleanor from Ivy City to former Union Social spot

Budding restaurateur Adam Stein is installing the bowling lanes, bar, and video games he originally envisioned for Ivy City inside short-lived Union Social instead, telling Eater that his new entertainment complex, the Eleanor, should be here by late spring.

Stein, a hospitality vet who last fall converted H Street’s Boundary Road into game-filled Bar Elena, is excited about remaking the 5,100-square-foot space at 100 Florida Avenue NE into the home he’s always wanted for multi-layered Eleanor. T

The biggest modification: putting in four mini bowling lanes — ”Think ¾ size duck pin-style lanes, from AMF,” Stein says — a renovation that’s projected to take up to three months. He’s hoping the significant remodel will still allow for around 180 seats inside (current occupancy is 250), plus room for 70-odd people on the outdoor patio.

Perks include access to a neighboring parking garage (Stein plans to validate), as well as access to potential customers ranging from residents of the Elevation apartment building up above to the surrounding businesses and government offices.

“We look forward to being the lunch and happy hour spot for the ATF, DOJ, XM radio, and many other office buildings in the area,” Stein says.

No word yet on final menu options — though he previously described Bar Elena’s raw bar-centric food as the “incubator/test kitchen for the Eleanor.” But Stein did share that he’ll have 20 beer taps, many of which are expected to feature local brews.